Vietnamese culture is changing. After long periods of South Korean influence, it seems that there is a growing movement that shines the spotlight back on Vietnam’s own rich history of art, fashion, and culture in general. Vietnam’s most inspired
If there was a running theme through Son Tinh’s list of inspirational figures, that would be it. But that doesn’t mean that this list is exclusively for Vietnamese people looking for a creative boost. Quite the opposite.
Vietnam’s constantly modernising sense of culture is so unique that it is guaranteed to create a spark, regardless of background or interests. Vietnam’s most inspired
Climate heroine Hoang Thi Minh Hong
Compared to other names you’ll find on this list, Hoang Thi Minh Hong seems to exist quietly under the public’s radar. Why that is will always remain a mystery.
Hoang Thi Minh Hong’s list of credentials is expansive and hideously impressive. Not only was Hoang Thi Minh Hong the first Vietnamese person to set foot in Antarctica, but she received an honourable mention from former President Barack Obama for being a ‘leading woman’ in innovations to promote energy conservation and raise public awareness about nature. Vietnam’s most inspired
In 1996, Hoang Thi Minh Hong decided to give up her stable job as a journalist to join an exploration program to Antarctica.
Upon returning, she said, “If I were lucky enough to set foot in Antarctica, I would have to return something to the world.”
That’s exactly what Hoang Thi Minh Hong did. In 2008, the inspirational explorer brought Earth Hour to Vietnam, changing the way the country viewed their energy usage. Then she went on to found Change, the Centre for Action and Linkage for Environment and Development, successfully arranging wildlife protection projects.
Ms. Hong was recognised by Climateheroes.org as a ‘Climate Hero’. She stated, “I’m an optimist who believes in human kindness and community power in changing society.”
Founder of Moi Dien fashion brand: Tom Trandt
With an education in fashion design at Parsons, the New School for Design in New York, Tom Trandt (born Tran Minh Dao) decided to return to Vietnam to launch his fashion career.
His company? Moi Dien. A fashion brand built on ideas of freedom, making genderless, boundaryless clothing.
One element that makes Tom so inspiring is his decision to return to Vietnam, turning down the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of Pasons’ other alumni, like Alexander Wang, Donna Karan, and Marc Jacobs. Tom Chose, instead, to carve out a name for himself back home.
Since its inception, Moi Dien, with its range of clothing that includes genderless au dai’s, has seen Tom featured in Forbes Vietnam’s 30 under 30. On this list, he was the only fashion designer in Art & Creative.
Solar-powered engineer Ngo Viet Cuong
Inspiration often comes from modest beginnings. Take Ngo Viet Cuong as an example. At age 18, this Nam Dinh student has assembled two solar-powered cars.
Born into a family of mechanics, Viet Cuong was determined to follow in his father’s footsteps, regardless of the hardships that would come his way. When starting out, Viet Cuong found it hard to source the money to buy the materials, and being such a young age, had to start learning on the job.
He called his first car “con bọ”, which translates to ‘the Bug’. It could be described as a solar-powered, Vietnamese Beetle, which it purposely resembles in both name and style. What was most impressive about Viet Cuong’s car was its range; it’s able to drive at 50 km/ph for six hours.
Following the same theme, Viet Cuong went on to make his own version of a solar-powered Volkswagen Campervan. A real head-turner on the streets of Nam Dinh.
What is most impressive about Viet Cuong’s achievements, however, is his perseverance. He sourced and bought all of his own tools, made car frames, and created and assembled both vehicles by himself, only ever going to his father for help on the specifications.
Make-shift videographers 1977 Vlog
Though concept and humour of 1977 Vlog would likely go over the heads of non-Vietnamese speakers, or anyone under 25, the success of these three brothers is undeniable.
With just four videos, 1977 Vlog managed to get one million followers on Youtube in just two months, landing directly into the lap of Vietnam’s zeitgeist.
While the budgets are small, and the production leaves something to be desired, the talent of these three young men is boundless and undeniable. It proves that anything is possible with a phone and good writers.
National hero Coach Park Hang Seo
If there was one name that brought a tear to a Vietnamese eye, and the eye to the TV screen, it would be this one.
Coach of Vietnam’s under 23s football team, Park Hang Seo helped see his team top Group G in the 2020 World Cup qualifiers and nab a historic gold medal at the 22ns SEA Games. Vietnam’s most inspired
You only need to look at the streets of the capital city, following a successful game, to see the impact this coach has on the country. Horns blowing, flags waving, and Park Hang Seo’s name being celebrated for bringing a small team to the big leagues.
Pop sensation Hoang Thuy Linh
Armed with a how-to guide for winning over Vietnamese hearts and minds, Huang Thuy Linh managed to flip a floundering career with a bit of national pride. Vietnam’s most inspired
Armed with a how-to guide for winning over Vietnamese hearts and minds, Huang Thuy Linh managed to flip a floundering career with a bit of national pride.
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